Del. Steve Landes, R-Weyers Cave, Chairman of the House Education Committee, joined Governor Ralph Northam for the signing of House Bill 1125.

“There is no denying we have a teacher shortage in Virginia. House Bill 1125 is a great first step in addressing that shortage. Our students deserve a world class education and ensuring we have quality teachers available will enable them to reach their full potential” said Landes. “I would like to thank Governor Northam for signing this bill and all of the members of the education community who were so instrumental in bringing this bipartisan legislation to fruition.”

House Bill 1125 makes several changes to the teacher licensure process, including permitting teachers with a valid out-of-state license, with full credentials and without deficiencies, to receive licensure by reciprocity without passing additional licensing assessments and permitting a local school board or division superintendent to waive certain licensure requirements for any individual who holds a provisional license and is employed by the local school board. The bill passed in the House of Delegates 100-0 and the Senate version passed 40-0. The bill has an effective date of July 1, 2018.

Landes represents the 25th House District, which includes parts of Albemarle, Augusta, and Rockingham Counties. Landes is currently serving his twelfth term in the Virginia House of Delegates. Visit SteveLandes.com for additional information.